Reasons for Progressive Reform – A) Powerful political machines were restricting people’s livelihoods – B) An economic boom in the 1890’s – C) Civil unrest and violence – D) Unhealthy and unsafe working conditions – E) Unsanitary and unsafe working conditions – F) An increased hours to meet demand

Reasons for Progressive Reform – G) Large numbers of new immigrants – H) Urban housing, crime, congestion, and pollution, bad sanitation – I) Corruption on all levels of Govt. – J) Abuse of the nation’s political system

Reasons for Progressive Reform 2) Who were the progressives? – A) Characteristics: largely native born upper or middle class Educated professionals (business people, lawyers, social workers, doctors, teachers Allied with populist farmers – B) Beliefs and Goals: Optimists Abuses of power by Govt. and business can be ended Reform and initiative could improve U.S. economy Direct primary, non colored ballots, 19 th amendment

Reasons for Progressive Reform 3) Enemies of the Progressive Era – A) It’s natural that there are people of wealth and power in society – B) Don’t mess with what is regulated by the force of nature 4) Factors helping the Progressive Movement – A) Progressivism became trendy – B) The mvmt started in cities, which made communication easier – C) Telephone and telegraph made communication easier – D) Wisconsin Idea – Robert LaFollette